Kirk Jones to Direct Adaptation of ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’

Kirk Jones ("Waking Ned Devine," and "Nanny McPhee,") will direct the film adaptation of the pregnancy manual "What to Expect When You're Expecting," Lionsgate announced Wednesday.

The book — which wil be adapted into a romantic comedy — has been a New York Times bestseller for more than 500 weeks.

The writer Heather Hach ("Freaky Friday") pitched the film based on Heidi Murkoff's book.

"Black Swan" producers Mike Medavoy and Arnold Messer, along with David Thwaites, are producing and Doug McKay is co-producing through their Phoenix Pictures.

Heidi and Erik Murkoff will executive produce, as will their literary manager, Alan Nevins of Renaissance Literary & Talent.

Hach wrot ethe first draft of the script. Shauna Cross ("Whip It") wrote the final draft.

Alli Shearmur, president of motion picture production and development at Lionsgate, and Jim Miller, SVP motion picture production and development, are overseeing for the studio.

According to Lionsgate, "based on the 16 million copy best-selling book, 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' is an ensemble romantic-comedy … in the vein of 'Love Actually and 'Valentine's Day.' The film is a modern look at love through the eyes of four interconnected couples experiencing the thrills and surprises of having a baby, and ultimately coming to understand the universal truth that no matter what you plan for, life doesn't always deliver what's expected."